Provided by Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Retirement Services, Inc.

Most of us have heard the news about older drivers being involved in, or the cause of, traffic accidents…pulling out in front of people, going through red lights or stop signs. Do you know older adults are actually among the safest drivers? They are more likely to wear their seatbelts, obey speed limits, and avoid drinking and driving, than any other age group. Unfortunately, they are also more likely, according to AAA, to be involved in a car accident and have a fatality rate 17 times higher than 25 to 64 –year-olds.

Fortunately, there are lots of steps older drivers can take to drive better, safer and longer. Understanding the effects of aging is important. As we age, our bodies experience changes in vision, hearing, fitness levels, and concentration and driving requires complex coordination of many skills.

“Changes in vision are the main reasons adults decide to stop driving,” Lori Cook, safety instructor for AAA, said. “Aging eyes recover from glare more slowly and the older we get the more light we need to see clearly, which can make nighttime driving difficult. Certain age-related diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma, can cause sensitivity to light and glare and diminish peripheral and central vision. In addition to changes in vision,” she continued, “we lose hearing acuity, which can make it difficult to hear sirens, horns, and other warnings.”

Joint flexibility and muscle strength also decrease, making it harder to turn the steering wheel, get in and out of the car, and depress the pedals. Decreased neck mobility makes it harder to look over the shoulder to safely merge and change lanes. Our brains are also affected. We process signals more slowly and depth perception changes which is why an older driver may run a red light or seem not to notice a turn signal. That driver pulling out in front of you isn’t careless; he just thinks you are farther away.

AAA has a number of practical tips for mature drivers:

• Vision changes, glare and night driving can be a challenge, so get regular eye exams

• Limit driving to daytime hours

• Switch to a larger rearview mirror

• Adjust side mirrors outward to reduce blind spots

• Lap/shoulder harness should be across bone, not soft tissue

• Head restraints should be adjusted up to meet the middle of the back of your head

• Sit at least 10” away from the air bag

• Leave more space in front of your car

• Reduce distractions

• Plan your route. Take a practice trip to a new place so you know where to go.

• Use side streets instead of freeways

• Avoid rush hour

• Avoid driving when starting a new medication

• If any medication makes you feel sleepy or disoriented, do not drive!

“The goal is to give older divers as much information as we can so they can decide for themselves when it’s time to change how they drive, up to and including retiring from driving,” Cook said.

Retiring from driving is a difficult decision to make for everyone involved. Cook offers this advice, “We all decide how and when to retire from our career and at some point in time we need to retire from driving. I know when it’s my time; I want to be the one making that decision.”

Shepherd of the Valley understands the challenges older drivers face. This summer we have teamed up with AAA, The Chevy All Stars, and The Senior News to present a series of programs specifically for mature drivers. For more information on the upcoming programs, visit the Shepherd of the Valley website at www.ShepherdoftheValley.com (click on Community Events) or call Lynn Miller at 330-530-4038, ext. 2057.